Keen fisherman died after collapse at sea

Allan Cooper from Bispham who died after suffering a heart attack on his boat

Allan Cooper was brought back to shore but could not be revived.

The 58-year-old life-long Blackpool FC fan, of Kirkstone Drive, Bispham, had set sail with his brother David on his boat Hilda, named after their late mother.

After dropping anchor about a mile and a half offshore, Allan collapsed.

His sister-in-law Trish said: “He was a man who was small in stature but had the biggest heart ever.

“In 1986 while working as a postal officer he did a charity walk from Blackpool to London raising money for the British Heart Foundation.

“He would help anyone if he could, he was a great organiser and party host. He was a big family man but also one of his loves was Blackpool Football Club.

“He was also a keen fisherman and liked nothing better than to spend days fishing with his son, brother and friend Pete.

“A huge empty space has been left in all the lives of his family and he will be so sadly missed.

“We would like to thank the RNLI, beach patrol, paramedics and A&E for their efforts to try and save this wonderful man of ours.”

Allan, who died on October 30, leaves wife Clair and children Adam, 24, and Laura, 22.

His funeral cortege will include a drive past Blackpool FC on his way to Park Crematorium in Lytham for a service at 3pm tomorrow.